BART May Record Names, Check Criminal Records of Seat Hoggers: Report

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First look inside the first train car of BART's new Fleet of the Future. April 6, 2016.

Remember when it was announced that BART would be fining passengers for taking up too many seats? Well, that plan is officially rolling out -- and it's more detailed than many might have assumed.

It was announced Thursday during a board meeting that BART passengers who take up more than one seat during peak traffic times will face warnings, questioning and even fines from BART police if they continue to be cited.

According to SF Gate, violators of the seat rule will "have their names recorded and criminal records checked."

The punishment extends from actions as small as placing a bag or briefcase on an empty seat, to fully lying down on more than one seat. BART police will start by taking down names of offenders, and after three warnings, violators will face a fine. Passengers who can’t meet the requirements because of health or medical conditions will not be cited.

This policy was adopted by BART in April, with plans to enforce the plan later in the year. BART police are making posters to plaster inside the train cars to alert riders of the new ordinance.

The ordinance defines commute hours, and the times where the train cars will be monitored, as weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m.

These rules will start with a soft roll out on Sept. 1, and only verbal warnings will be issued during the first month. Enforcement will officially start on Oct. 1, where fines starting at $100 could be issued for the first violation.

After the second violation within one year, the fine will increase to $200, and then $500 for each additional violation within five years.

Alicia Trost, Communications Department Manager of BART, said that prior to any citation, a warning must be given. This might help protect tourists and first-time riders from facing a penalty, she said.